Soulreaver Greatsword

From: Bloodmarked Scions

Stats:

• Level: Tier 1
• Attack Roll Bonus: +2
• Damage: 1d10 slashing damage
• Skills: No specific skill bonuses conferred by the greatsword.
• Cost: 600 gold pieces (or the equivalent value in currency)
• Tags:
  • Two-handed: This indicates that the Soulreaver Greatsword requires the use of both hands to wield effectively.
  • Heavy: This indicates that the Soulreaver Greatsword falls under the heavy weapon category, which typically delivers more powerful attacks but may impose penalties on certain actions due to its size and weight.
  • Magical: This indicates that the greatsword is infused with dark magic, granting it additional properties beyond its physical attributes.
  • Additional: Cursed, Soulbound, Life Drain, Fearsome, Runic, Malevolent, Unholy, Corruption, Ancient, Doom

Lore and Use: The Soulreaver Greatsword is a weapon of immense power, its massive blade infused with dark magic and adorned with ancient runes. The greatsword possesses a sinister presence, resonating with the forces of darkness and delivering devastating blows to those it strikes.

The origins of the Soulreaver Greatsword are shrouded in mystery and often steeped in legends and tales of dark rituals. Some say it was forged in the depths of the underworld, while others claim it was imbued with the essence of fallen souls. Regardless of its origin, the greatsword is feared and respected for its formidable capabilities.

In combat, the Soulreaver Greatsword provides a +2 bonus to attack rolls, enhancing the wielder’s accuracy and increasing their chances of landing successful strikes. Its massive blade deals 1d10 slashing damage, making it a potent weapon capable of inflicting significant harm upon foes.

The dark magic that permeates the greatsword grants it additional properties, potentially influencing battles in unexpected ways. The specific nature of these magical properties can vary depending on the setting and game mechanics, but they may include effects such as increased damage against certain creatures, the ability to drain life force from enemies, or the power to strike fear into the hearts of opponents.

Due to its size and weight, the Soulreaver Greatsword requires the use of both hands to wield effectively. It is a weapon favored by warriors who possess great strength and skill, as well as by those who are drawn to the allure of dark magic and the power it can bring.

However, the dark nature of the Soulreaver Greatsword may also have consequences. It can attract attention from malevolent entities or individuals seeking to harness its power for their own nefarious purposes. Wielding this greatsword requires caution and a strong will to resist the corrupting influences of the dark magic within.

The Soulreaver Greatsword is a formidable weapon that strikes fear into the hearts of enemies. Its +2 bonus to attack rolls and 1d10 slashing damage make it a devastating choice for characters seeking to unleash powerful blows upon their foes. However, its association with dark magic and the potential consequences of wielding such a weapon should be considered by those who dare to wield it.

In the world of Saṃsāra, the Soulreaver Greatsword is a rare and powerful weapon, often found only in specialized, secretive, or dangerous locations. The shops that trade in such items cater to adventurers, warriors, and dark magic practitioners who seek weapons imbued with malevolent power. Below are the types of shops where the greatsword might be bought and sold, along with the cost in each setting:

• Forbidden Armories (Cost: 800-1,000 gold pieces)
  • These armories are located in hidden, underground markets or deep within fortresses run by dark warlords or necromancers. Forbidden Armories deal exclusively in weapons of immense power, especially those tied to curses or dark magic. The Soulreaver Greatsword would be found here, displayed among other cursed or forbidden artifacts. Prices are higher due to the weapon’s danger and potency, and many buyers must prove their strength or connection to the dark arts to even view the weapon. Some armories require blood pacts or dark rituals as part of the purchasing process.
• Curse Dealer’s Shop (Cost: 600-700 gold pieces)
  • Run by occultists and dark magic dealers, these shops specialize in cursed items and dark artifacts. Found in shadowy corners of large cities or in ruins inhabited by cultists, these shops are notorious for selling dangerous goods. The Soulreaver Greatsword would likely be wrapped in dark cloth to contain its energy and displayed only to select customers. Curse dealers might offer the greatsword at a slightly lower price, but the buyer often risks attracting unwanted supernatural attention when purchasing from such a place. Occasionally, the sword may be bartered for rare ingredients or services instead of gold.
• Black Market Traders (Cost: 1,000-1,500 gold pieces)
  • In the lawless floating islands or hidden islands of Saṃsāra, the black market thrives on selling rare and illicit goods. The Soulreaver Greatsword would be a prized possession among these traders, particularly sought after by mercenaries or rogue factions. It would be auctioned or traded in secret meetings, where only the wealthiest or most powerful could compete for it. Prices here are inflated due to the rarity and demand for the sword, and the risk of being tracked or followed by those seeking its power.
• Haunted Reliquaries (Cost: 500-800 gold pieces)
  • Located in cursed castles, forgotten temples, or ancient burial grounds, Haunted Reliquaries are operated by ghostly vendors, necromancers, or spirit-bound merchants. The Soulreaver Greatsword would be found as a relic in these reliquaries, surrounded by other items linked to the spirits of the dead. These locations tend to sell the greatsword at a lower price, but buyers must contend with the unsettling presence of the dead, which may cling to the sword or try to influence its wielder. Purchasing from here might involve appeasing spirits or performing a ritual to avoid being cursed.
• Warrior-Clan Smithies (Cost: 600-900 gold pieces)
  • In more isolated, warrior-led societies, such as those found in the mountainous regions of Saṃsāra, warrior-clan smithies are known to forge and sell powerful weapons. The Soulreaver Greatsword would be traded here by elders who have passed it down through generations of battle-hardened warriors. To purchase the weapon, the buyer must often prove their worth in a trial or duel, as the clans believe the sword should not fall into weak or unworthy hands. The price may vary depending on the buyer’s standing with the clan and their display of strength.
• Necromancer’s Sanctums (Cost: 900-1,200 gold pieces)
  • These dark, arcane shops are hidden within necromancer enclaves, often in secluded areas like swamps or underworld caves. The Soulreaver Greatsword would be sold among other necromantic artifacts, favored by those who study or control the dead. The necromancers may imbue additional power into the sword for a price, increasing the cost if they perform extra dark rituals. However, buyers risk being indebted to the necromancers, who may call upon them for favors or tasks related to their sinister dealings.
• Doomsayer Markets (Cost: 700-1,000 gold pieces)
  • These markets are run by followers of apocalyptic cults who believe in the coming end of the world. They sell artifacts of destruction and chaos, believing they are necessary tools for bringing about the final collapse. The Soulreaver Greatsword would be highly revered here, often displayed as a sacred relic. Purchasing from these markets would involve navigating the cult’s rituals, and the buyer may be required to pledge allegiance to their cause or partake in a ceremonial act before taking possession of the sword.

These various shops reflect the Soulreaver Greatsword’s reputation as a weapon of great power and darkness, traded in places that specialize in cursed or magical items with dangerous histories. Prices vary based on the setting, with each offering different challenges or rituals to acquire the weapon.

The Soulreaver Greatsword is a dark, powerful weapon that draws on malevolent forces, and its use in different environments for defense and offense provides dramatic roleplay opportunities. Here’s how it might be wielded in various environments:

• Offense in a War-Torn Battlefield
  • Environment: A desolate battlefield filled with enemy soldiers and war machines. Roleplay:
    • The wielder of the Soulreaver Greatsword strides across the blood-soaked field, the blade glowing faintly with dark energy. As the enemy charges, the user swings the massive sword with devastating power, cleaving through armor and bone. Each strike is amplified by the dark magic in the blade, causing their enemies to falter as they feel their life force drain away.
    • The user can channel the dark magic within the sword to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies. As they swing, an eerie, hollow wail emanates from the blade, making even the bravest soldiers hesitate. The wielder may describe the blade seeming to pull energy from the souls of the dying, growing more powerful with each kill.
    • The wielder, leaning into the weapon’s sinister reputation, may taunt opponents with whispers of the greatsword’s origin, enhancing the psychological effect of the dark magic at work. Each time an enemy falls, their comrades become more fearful, creating an aura of dread around the wielder.
  • Mechanics:
    • The +2 attack roll bonus ensures a higher hit rate, while the 1d10 slashing damage delivers significant physical harm. In some games, the GM might allow the sword to temporarily drain life from foes, causing fear or inflicting penalties on morale or combat effectiveness.
• Defense in a Haunted Crypt
  • Environment: A tomb or crypt filled with malevolent spirits and undead guardians. Roleplay:
    • Deep underground, the crypt is suffocatingly silent, save for the low hum of necromantic energy. As spirits begin to materialize, the wielder of the Soulreaver Greatsword grips the weapon tightly, drawing upon the dark magic imbued in its runes. The blade vibrates as if alive, resonating with the cursed energy of the place.
    • When the undead attack, the wielder uses the greatsword defensively, wielding it with calculated precision. Each swing doesn’t just cut down the physical forms of the undead, but the dark magic in the sword disrupts their necromantic essence, causing them to weaken and dissipate more easily.
    • The wielder might also draw on the sword’s inherent corruption to ward off weaker spirits. As they raise the sword, its runes flare with a sickly light, forcing lesser specters to recoil or flee. The wielder might roleplay the sensation of the blade feeding off the necromantic energies around them, becoming more attuned to the dangers in the crypt.
  • Mechanics:
    • The sword’s magical nature makes it effective against undead, potentially giving the user advantages on attacks or damage rolls. In some scenarios, the dark magic could be used to push back weaker undead or disrupt their forms.
• Offense in a Gladiatorial Arena
  • Environment: An arena filled with spectators, where the wielder faces off against a rival in a one-on-one duel. Roleplay:
    • The arena roars with the cheers of the crowd as the wielder of the Soulreaver Greatsword steps into the sand, the dark blade gleaming under the sun. As the fight begins, the wielder goes on the offensive, using the sheer weight and power of the greatsword to overwhelm their opponent. Every blow lands with brutal force, shaking the ground and stunning the enemy.
    • The sword’s dark energy can be roleplayed as a form of psychological warfare in the arena. As the fight wears on, the wielder might taunt their opponent, mentioning the dark magic coursing through the blade, causing the opponent to fight more cautiously out of fear of the weapon’s abilities.
    • When the moment comes for the final blow, the wielder could roleplay the sword demanding a soul. As they raise the sword for a killing strike, the greatsword’s runes blaze to life, and the final swing is accompanied by a haunting wail that echoes through the arena, sending shivers through the crowd.
  • Mechanics:
    • The +2 attack roll bonus and 1d10 damage can turn the tide of combat, making each hit punishing to the enemy. The greatsword’s dark magic might cause the opponent to fail morale checks or be more easily intimidated.
• Defense in a Dark Forest
  • Environment: A dense, fog-filled forest inhabited by bandits, magical creatures, or dark spirits. Roleplay:
    • As the wielder navigates the thick, twisting trees, bandits or hostile creatures ambush from the shadows. The Soulreaver Greatsword hums with energy as the wielder brings it up defensively, the blade carving arcs through the fog to keep the attackers at bay.
    • The wielder uses the sword’s weight and reach to control space, ensuring that enemies cannot easily close the distance. Each defensive swing not only blocks blows but sends a wave of dark energy that forces the attackers to rethink their assault.
    • In roleplay, the wielder could feel the presence of dark spirits lurking in the forest, their energies feeding into the sword’s power. When defending, the wielder can describe the sword seeming to pull strength from the gloom around them, empowering their ability to fend off attackers.
  • Mechanics:
    • The wielder may use the sword’s size and power to hold ground, possibly gaining bonuses on defensive maneuvers or making it harder for enemies to break through their defenses.
• Offense in a Necromancer’s Lair
  • Environment: A tower or lair where a necromancer and their minions summon undead and weave dark magic. Roleplay:
    • As the wielder charges into the necromancer’s lair, the Soulreaver Greatsword flares to life, its dark energy attuned to the necromantic forces surrounding the place. The sword gleams as it is brought down upon the necromancer’s undead minions, cutting through bone and sinew with ease. The wielder can describe how each swing of the sword disrupts the necromantic magic animating the creatures, weakening them.
    • When facing the necromancer directly, the wielder could roleplay an inner struggle with the sword, as its own dark magic seeks to dominate or absorb the necromancer’s power. The wielder might have to maintain control, ensuring that they are not overwhelmed by the corrupting influence of the sword while channeling its devastating force in battle.
    • The wielder could also describe the sword seemingly “hungering” for the necromancer’s soul, its runes pulsing as it draws nearer to its prey. Each strike on the necromancer feels more precise and powerful, as if the sword itself is guiding the blows.
  • Mechanics:
    • The greatsword’s magical properties would grant advantages in combat against undead or dark magic users, possibly dealing extra damage or disrupting spellcasting. The wielder could face a mental check to resist being corrupted by the sword’s power in this intense environment.
• Defense in a King’s Throne Room
  • Environment: A grand throne room, where the wielder is tasked with protecting a ruler from would-be assassins or rebels. Roleplay:
    • As assassins storm the throne room, the wielder of the Soulreaver Greatsword steps forward to defend the monarch. They use the sword’s size and reach to clear space around the throne, preventing enemies from closing in. Each defensive swing is calculated and precise, forcing the attackers back while the blade hums with a dark aura, intimidating foes.
    • The wielder might roleplay the sword subtly influencing the battlefield. When they defend against a blow, the dark magic of the sword could cause an assassin’s blade to glance off or slow just before impact, as if the sword’s curse is warping reality to protect its wielder.
    • The wielder could also roleplay the sword growing heavy, demanding blood in the heat of battle. To maintain its defensive power, the wielder may have to strike down a weaker attacker, giving the sword the sacrifice it craves.
  • Mechanics:
    • The sword’s imposing size and power could grant bonuses to defensive actions, making it harder for enemies to land successful hits. The wielder might also use the sword’s fearsome reputation to force attackers to make morale checks or back off.

In all these scenarios, the Soulreaver Greatsword offers roleplay opportunities for both offense and defense, allowing the wielder to draw on the weapon’s dark, cursed magic while facing its consequences.

Perception of Activation:

• User’s Perspective:
  • Sight: As the Soulreaver Greatsword activates, the runes along the blade begin to glow with a dark crimson light, pulsing in sync with your heartbeat. The blade itself seems to shimmer as if it’s drawing in the surrounding light, casting the area in an eerie twilight. Dark tendrils of mist coil from the sword’s edge, wrapping around your arms and legs, giving the impression of the sword bonding with you.
  • Sound: A deep, low hum resonates from the blade, growing louder as it activates. It sounds like a distant echo from a cavernous abyss. Occasionally, faint whispers can be heard—muffled voices that seem to speak in an ancient, forgotten language. These whispers fluctuate in volume, sometimes fading into the background, and at other times crescendoing with unsettling clarity.
  • Touch: The hilt of the sword feels unnaturally cold, even through gloves. As the blade awakens, the cold intensifies, spreading up your arm. However, after a moment, the sensation shifts—almost as if the sword is absorbing your body heat, growing warm. A vibrating pulse runs through the handle, in rhythm with your heartbeat, making the sword feel like an extension of your own arm.
  • Smell: The air around you takes on the scent of charred metal and ancient dust, mixed with a faint, lingering smell of decayed flesh. As the sword activates, this smell intensifies for a moment, overwhelming your senses before dulling to a subtle, ever-present odor that stays with you for as long as the sword remains active.
  • Taste: There’s an acrid, metallic taste in your mouth, like blood or iron, as though the sword’s activation has altered the very air you breathe. The taste lingers at the back of your throat, making each breath heavy and thick, a constant reminder of the blade’s dark power.
  • Extra-Sensory Perception: Upon activation, you feel an overwhelming presence within the sword—an ancient, malevolent entity bound to it. This presence presses against your mind, seeking to exert its will. If you’re strong enough, you maintain control. However, if you falter, you can sense it trying to influence your thoughts, pushing you toward more aggressive, violent behavior. Additionally, your awareness extends outward, letting you detect the life force of nearby beings as faint pulses of energy, almost like a predator sensing prey.
• Observer’s Perspective:
  • Sight: To the observer, the Soulreaver Greatsword begins to glow with dark, pulsing red light when activated. The runes appear to burn into the blade, casting ominous shadows. The air around the wielder seems to distort, as if reality itself is bending under the weapon’s malevolent influence. Black mist or tendrils swirl around the wielder, giving them a more sinister, foreboding appearance.
  • Sound: A deep, resonant hum emanates from the greatsword, accompanied by faint whispers. To the observer, these whispers sound like they come from nowhere and everywhere at once, inducing a sense of unease. The hum grows louder as the wielder swings the blade, intensifying as if the weapon is feeding off the conflict.
  • Touch (Proximity): Standing near the wielder, an observer feels a tangible coldness in the air, as if the temperature has dropped significantly. If they stand too close, they may feel a slight pull, like a magnetic force, subtly drawing them toward the blade. The air feels heavy and oppressive, charged with dark energy.
  • Extra-Sensory Perception (if sensitive): Those attuned to magical or spiritual forces sense the sword’s hunger for souls or life energy. It exudes a malicious aura, radiating waves of dark magic that almost feel alive, probing the surroundings. Sensitive observers may feel nauseous or uneasy, as though the blade’s malevolent spirit is watching them, waiting.
• Positives:
  • Increased Power: The user feels an immediate surge of strength and confidence when wielding the activated Soulreaver Greatsword. The dark magic flowing through the sword enhances the wielder’s attacks, making each strike feel more powerful, precise, and devastating.
  • Fear Factor: The sword’s activation causes most opponents to falter or hesitate, unnerved by the weapon’s aura. This psychological edge can give the wielder a significant advantage in combat.
  • Life Force Awareness: The wielder can detect nearby life forces, allowing them to anticipate enemy movements or locate hidden foes.
• Negatives:
  • Corrupting Influence: The longer the sword is active, the more the wielder risks succumbing to its corrupting influence. The dark magic within the blade seeks to dominate the user’s will, pushing them toward more violent and reckless actions. Prolonged use could result in moral degradation or madness.
  • Physical Strain: Wielding the greatsword while it’s active can cause significant physical strain. The weapon’s cold, vibrating energy can sap the wielder’s stamina over time, leading to exhaustion or numbness in the arm.
  • Attracting Attention: The dark energy released by the sword can attract unwanted attention from malevolent entities or dark forces. It may also draw the attention of those seeking to claim the weapon for themselves.
  • Allies’ Distrust: The sword’s activation can cause discomfort or distrust among allies. They may perceive the wielder as being under the influence of a dark force, making them reluctant to fight alongside someone wielding such a cursed weapon.

The Soulreaver Greatsword offers immense power but at great personal risk. Wielding it requires not only physical strength but the mental fortitude to resist the dark forces tied to its power.

Recipe: Crafting the Soulreaver Greatsword

• Materials Needed:
  • Darkened Steel (10 lbs) – Steel forged in shadowy conditions, requiring exposure to cursed or necromantic energy during the smithing process. It must be smelted with black iron ore infused with magical essence from a necromancer or other dark practitioner.
  • Soulstone Crystal (1) – A rare crystal capable of holding or channeling life force. The Soulstone must be harvested from a spiritual nexus, often found in places where powerful entities or fallen heroes were laid to rest.
  • Blood of a Fallen Warrior (1 vial) – Taken from a warrior who died in battle, preferably one known for their combat prowess. The blood must be harvested from the battlefield and magically preserved.
  • Runic Engravings (5) – Inks created from powdered bone, ash from a destroyed holy artifact, and ectoplasm. These materials are needed to carve and inscribe the ancient runes along the blade, infusing the sword with dark magic.
  • Binding Thread (10 ft) – Woven from shadow-touched silk or cursed spider thread, used to bind the runes and the sword’s magic together.
  • Necrotic Flame (1) – A mystical fire, conjured through necromantic rituals, used to forge the steel and meld the Soulstone Crystal into the sword.
• Tools Required:
  • Darkforge Anvil – A specially enchanted anvil, designed to hold and shape dark-infused materials.
  • Cursed Smithing Hammer – A hammer passed down through dark sorceries, used for working necrotic steel.
  • Rune Engraving Tools – Precision engraving tools needed to carve intricate runes into the blade.
  • Spirit Furnace – A magical forge fueled by necrotic energy and the spirits of the dead, used for binding the Soulstone into the sword.
  • Gloves of Containment – Protective gloves to handle the Soulstone and enchanted materials safely without absorbing too much of their dark energy.
• Skill Requirements:
  • Smithing (Advanced) – The ability to work with cursed or necromantic materials, shaping the darkened steel without losing its magical properties.
  • Runecrafting (Advanced) – Expertise in inscribing ancient, dark runes, ensuring they hold their power and do not backfire on the wielder.
  • Necromancy (Intermediate) – The ability to manipulate necrotic energy, necessary to charge the sword with dark magic and bind the soulstone.
  • Enchanting (Intermediate) – Required to fuse the sword’s physical structure with its magical properties, especially in sealing the Soulstone into the blade.
  • Alchemy (Basic) – Basic knowledge in creating the binding materials, such as runic ink from powdered bones and ectoplasm.
• Crafting Steps:
  • Step 1: Forge the Darkened Steel
    • Begin by smelting the black iron ore in a Spirit Furnace, exposing it to necrotic energy. As the ore melts, feed it the Blood of a Fallen Warrior, which will bond the warrior’s essence to the steel, imbuing it with violent power. Shape the steel into a rough greatsword on the Darkforge Anvil, using the Cursed Smithing Hammer. The blade must be long and heavy, leaving space for the runes and Soulstone.
  • Step 2: Carve the Runic Engravings
    • Use the Rune Engraving Tools to carve five intricate runes into the blade. Each rune must be placed in precise alignment with the wielder’s intended purpose—whether for offense, soul-draining, or sheer destructive power. After carving, use the Runic Inks (made from bone, ash, and ectoplasm) to fill the engravings. This step requires a successful Runecrafting check to ensure that the power of the runes will not backfire.
  • Step 3: Embed the Soulstone Crystal
    • Place the Soulstone Crystal at the center of the crossguard, where it will interact directly with the runes. Prepare the Necrotic Flame and carefully heat the Soulstone until it becomes malleable. Use the Binding Thread to wrap and secure the crystal into the sword. This is a delicate step, as too much pressure could fracture the Soulstone, while too little may fail to bind the dark magic. A successful Enchanting check is required here to ensure the proper fusion of magic.
  • Step 4: Bind the Dark Magic
    • Using your necromantic skills, perform the Soulbinding Ritual. Stand within a Spirit Furnace, where necrotic energy is most potent, and call upon the essence of fallen warriors or dark entities to further empower the sword. Recite the binding incantations while drawing the Necrotic Flame over the runes and the Soulstone Crystal. This process binds the sword’s magic and curses, sealing its power into the blade. The wielder will feel a slight drain of life force during this process, as the sword demands an offering of energy.
  • Step 5: Final Blessing and Sealing
    • Once the sword is fully crafted, place it in a pool of necrotic water or enchanted shadow for 24 hours to complete the infusion process. Afterward, remove the blade and bless it under a new moon, invoking the dark spirits one last time to finalize the bond between the weapon and its wielder. The wielder will need to attune themselves to the weapon through a short blood ritual, requiring a small cut and a few drops of their own blood on the Soulstone.

The Soulreaver Greatsword is now complete, an artifact imbued with dark magic and the essence of fallen souls. It is ready to be wielded, but its corrupting influence and power demand caution from any who dare to unleash its full potential.

Tale of the Blade That Drank Souls

Long before time was counted in stones and stars, when the earth was soft and skies heavy, there was a weapon that held the weight of both shadow and fire. This weapon, it is told, was made by hands not born of man, but of something older, darker, forgotten in dust. The sword was named Soulreaver, though its name is now lost in cracks of time. It was not a weapon of kings, nor of soldiers, but of those who walked in shadow—beings who knew both the living and the dead.

In the time when the blade was first sung into existence, there was a war of spirits—those of the land and those of the underworld. It was the wars of the unseen that broke the earth and cracked the skies. In this war, a warrior stood, neither dead nor alive, but caught in the breath between. His name, too, is gone, but the stories call him the Wraith-Bound One.

The Wraith-Bound One, they say, was given the Soulreaver by the whispers of the wind. The blade was born in the heart of a dying star, its edge forged from the breath of the last death. Its hilt was wrapped in shadows, not cloth, and it drank the light wherever it was raised. But it was not just a weapon—it was a thing that hungered.

The first strike of the Soulreaver came not in battle, but in silence. The warrior, upon holding the sword, felt the pull of souls—the pull of those lost between life and death. The blade, it is told, cut the air and pulled the soul of a fallen enemy from the dust, drinking it like water. With each soul it consumed, the blade grew darker, and the whispers around it louder, until the wind itself was afraid.

Many battles passed, and with each swing, the Soulreaver grew heavier, not with steel, but with spirits. The Wraith-Bound One could no longer sleep, for the sword whispered to him in dreams, urging him to kill, to consume more souls. It promised him the power of the gods, but at the cost of his own life. The blade, it seemed, desired not just the souls of enemies, but of its wielder too.

There came a time when the warrior faced an army not of men, but of shadows, each born of the souls the blade had consumed. These shadows, hungry for their stolen lives, sought to reclaim their freedom. The battle raged for many nights and days, with the warrior striking down countless spirits, but each one rose again, for they were bound not to earth, but to the blade itself.

In the end, the Wraith-Bound One was consumed by the shadows he had unleashed. The Soulreaver, now too heavy to lift, sank into the earth, its blade burning the ground, leaving scars that can still be seen. It is said that the sword still lies buried, waiting for the next to lift it. But those who seek it are warned, for the Soulreaver does not belong to any one hand—it belongs to the shadows and the souls it drinks.

Moral: The blade teaches that power, though great, is never without hunger. To wield the darkness is to be consumed by it, for the shadows demand what they are owed: a soul for every strike, until none are left.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Soulreaver Greatsword

• (Mythos Artifact)
• Description: A massive, cursed greatsword forged with dark magic, capable of draining the life force of those it strikes.
• Sanity Loss: 1D6 upon first use or witnessing its power.
• Magic Points: 5 per attack to activate its soul-draining effect.
• Powers:
  • Soul Drain: On a successful attack, the wielder can choose to spend 5 magic points to drain 1D4 Hit Points from the target, adding them to the wielder’s own HP (up to the normal maximum).
  • Dark Aura: The wielder has a +10% bonus to Intimidate while holding the sword.
• Drawback: Each time the wielder drains a soul, they must make a POW roll or lose 1D4 sanity points as the blade whispers dark promises and consumes part of their humanity.

Blades in the Dark

Soulreaver Greatsword

• (Tier III Weapon)
• Load: 3
• Description: A heavy, cursed greatsword that feeds on the souls of its victims, favored by scoundrels who dabble in the arcane or shadowy rituals.
• Powers:
  • Soul Drain: When you deal harm to an enemy, you may choose to gain +1d to your attack roll by draining their life force. The enemy takes an additional level of harm, but you also take 1 Stress as the sword exacts a toll on your mind.
  • Aura of Dread: The wielder gains +1d to Command or Intimidate rolls when the sword is unsheathed, as its presence instills fear.
• Drawbacks: Using the sword’s powers fills the Haunt clock with 1 tick per use, increasing the chances of drawing malevolent spirits or attracting unwanted attention.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Soulreaver Greatsword

• (Wondrous Item, Rare, Requires Attunement)
• Weapon (Greatsword)
• Properties:
  • Attack Bonus: +2
  • Damage: 1d10 slashing + 1d4 necrotic damage.
  • Soul Drain: When you reduce a creature to 0 hit points, you may absorb their life force. You gain temporary hit points equal to 1d6 + your Constitution modifier.
  • Aura of Dread: While wielding the sword, you have advantage on Intimidation checks.
• Drawback: Each time you absorb a soul, you must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or suffer 1 level of exhaustion as the blade tries to feed on your own soul.

Knave

Soulreaver Greatsword

• (Artifact Weapon)
• Description: A greatsword imbued with the power to drain the life force of those it strikes. However, this dark power comes at a cost to the wielder’s soul.
• Usage:
  • Attack Roll: +2
  • Damage: 1d10 slashing damage.
  • Soul Drain: After killing a foe, you regain 1d4 HP by absorbing their life essence. This can only restore lost HP, not increase your maximum HP.
  • Corruption: Each time you absorb a soul, roll a d6. On a 1, the sword feeds on your own life force, dealing 1 damage to you.
  • Fear Aura: Foes must pass a Morale check when they first witness the sword in combat, or they flee.

Fate (Core System)

Soulreaver Greatsword

• (Aspect: Cursed Weapon of Soul-Draining Power)
• High Concept: A massive greatsword imbued with dark magic, capable of draining the souls of enemies.
• Powers:
  • Invoke: The wielder can invoke the Soulreaver Greatsword for +2 to attack rolls or create advantages when using the sword to strike down enemies, particularly when the wielder wishes to intimidate or overpower foes.
  • Compel: The sword’s dark influence may cause the wielder to lose control. The GM can compel this aspect, driving the wielder to attack indiscriminately or suffer from the blade’s corrupting influence.
• Stunt:
  • Soul Drain: Once per session, the wielder can absorb the soul of a defeated enemy, instantly recovering 2 stress or clearing a mild consequence. This comes at the cost of suffering a mental attack due to the blade’s hunger for more souls.

Numenera & Cypher System

Soulreaver Greatsword

• (Level 6 Artifact)
• Form: A dark, rune-etched greatsword that steals the life essence of enemies.
• Effect:
  • Attack Bonus: Adds +2 to melee attack rolls.
  • Soul Drain: When you strike a creature with the greatsword, you can choose to absorb its life force if it dies. You recover 1d6 points to your Might pool.
  • Aura of Fear: Creatures of level 3 or lower must make an Intellect defense roll (Level 6) or become frightened when the sword is drawn in combat.
• Depletion: 1 in 1d20 per use.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

Soulreaver Greatsword

• (Major Wondrous Item, Rare, Requires Attunement)
• Weapon (Greatsword)
• Price: 4,000 gp
• Usage: Wielded (two-handed), 3 charges per day.
• Properties:
  • Attack Bonus: +2
  • Damage: 1d10 slashing + 1d6 negative energy.
  • Soul Drain (3/day): When you reduce a living creature to 0 HP, you can use a reaction to drain its life force, recovering 1d8 HP and gaining a +1 status bonus to attack rolls until the end of your next turn.
  • Frightful Presence (3/day): As a free action when drawing the sword, the wielder can make all creatures within 30 feet roll a Will save (DC 21) or become frightened 2 for 1 minute.
• Drawback: Each time a soul is drained, the wielder must succeed on a DC 15 Fortitude save or gain a negative condition, such as enfeebled 1, as the sword feeds on the wielder’s own life force.

Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition)

Soulreaver Greatsword

• (Magic Weapon)
• Description: A cursed greatsword that drains the life force of enemies and instills fear in those who witness it.
• Damage: Str+d10 + 2 necrotic damage
• Powers:
  • Soul Drain: When you kill a living enemy with the sword, you can absorb their essence to recover 1 wound or regain 2d6 Power Points.
  • Fear Aura: When the sword is drawn, enemies within a 10″ radius must make a Spirit roll at -2 or suffer the Shaken condition.
• Drawback: After absorbing a soul, the wielder must make a Vigor roll at -2 or suffer a level of Fatigue due to the sword’s corrupting influence.
• Weight: 2
• Cost: 3,000 gp

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Soulreaver Greatsword

• (Weapon Focus, Rating 4)
• Type: Melee Weapon (Heavy Blade), Requires Attunement to Astral
• Damage: Str+3P
• Accuracy: 6
• Reach: 1
• Powers:
  • Soul Drain (Complex Action): When you reduce an opponent to 0 health, you can drain their life force to regain 1d6 Stun Damage or restore 5 Magic Points.
  • Astral Detection: The wielder gains +2 dice to Assensing tests while holding the greatsword, allowing easier detection of spirits and astral entities.
  • Dark Aura: Opponents must make a Willpower + Intuition (3) test when first confronted by the sword or suffer a -2 dice pool penalty for the duration of the encounter due to fear.
• Drawback: Prolonged use of the sword draws the attention of astral entities, increasing the risk of spirit interference. After each use of Soul Drain, there’s a 1-in-6 chance that a hostile spirit will manifest nearby.

Starfinder

Soulreaver Greatsword

• (Level 9 Magical Weapon)
• Price: 13,500 credits
• Damage: 2d10 slashing + 1d6 negative energy
• Usage: 2 slots (fusion). Requires a necromantic fusion or alignment with negative energy to attune.
• Properties:
  • Soul Drain: When you reduce a living creature to 0 HP, you may drain their life essence, recovering 1d6 HP and gaining a +2 bonus to your next attack roll.
  • Fear Aura: As a reaction, when the sword is drawn, all creatures within 30 feet must make a Will save (DC 18) or become shaken for 1d4 rounds.
  • Unholy: The greatsword is treated as a magical weapon for overcoming DR and resistance, and it deals an additional 1d6 damage to creatures with the good alignment.
• Drawback: Using Soul Drain multiple times per day causes a 10% chance per use that the wielder suffers 1 point of Constitution damage, as the sword’s dark magic begins to siphon their own life force.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

Soulreaver Greatsword

• (Artifact Weapon)
• Tech Level: Ancient
• Description: A massive, rune-etched blade designed by an ancient, long-lost civilization. The sword draws energy from its victims, channeling it into the wielder.
• Damage: 5d6
• Traits:
  • Soul Drain: After defeating an opponent in combat, the wielder can drain their life energy to regain 1d6 Endurance points.
  • Fearsome Presence: Enemies facing the wielder must make a Social Standing check (8+) or suffer a -1 penalty to all combat rolls due to fear and intimidation.
  • Ancient Curse: Each time the wielder activates Soul Drain, they must roll 2D. On a result of 12, the sword temporarily dominates their mind, forcing them to act violently toward their allies for 1D rounds.
• Cost: Priceless or unique, found only in ancient ruins or black markets.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)

Soulreaver Greatsword

• (Magical Weapon, Rare)
• Encumbrance: 2
• Damage: +2 (SB +2)
• Qualities: Damaging, Undamaging (against constructs or soulless entities), Fear 2
• Powers:
  • Soul Drain: When you reduce a living creature to 0 Wounds, you may absorb its life force, recovering 1d10 Wounds. However, each time this is used, you must pass a Willpower test (Hard, -20) or gain 1 Corruption Point due to the sword’s dark influence.
  • Aura of Terror: When drawn, all enemies within 10 yards must make a Cool test or suffer from Broken condition due to the sword’s overwhelming dread.
  • Curse of the Reaver: Every 3 uses of Soul Drain, the wielder suffers from nightmares and visions, requiring them to make a Toughness test (Challenging) or take a penalty of -10 to all mental-related checks for 24 hours.
• Price: 3,000 gold crowns